[tri.pod] n [L tripod-, tripus, fr. Gk tripod-, tripous, fr. tripod-, tripous, adj., three-footed, fr. tri- + pod-, pous foot--more at foot] (1603) 1: a vessel (as a cauldron) resting on three legs
2: a stool, table, or altar with three legs
3: a three-legged stand (as for a camera) -- tripod or tri.po.dal adj